I hope you will like the chapter. Do give your comments, I love them. ❤️❤️

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TWO DAYS LATER:

INAYAT'S POV:

We were in the office discussing what to do next for the project. Vedant was also present. We were busy with our work when Vedant came near me and whispered, "Inayat, can I talk to you about something in private?"

From the corner of my eye, I could see Shivansh glaring at me, but I ignored him and nodded at Vedant. I got up from my seat, and he led the way to his cabin.

Honestly, I usually feel uncomfortable being alone with someone like this, but with Vedant, I don't feel that way.

He is a true gentleman—very kind, very sweet, humble, handsome, everything that someone admires.

He then gestured for me to take a seat on the couch in the room, and he brought a chair and sat in front of me. He looked really nervous.

I then asked very softly, "Vedant, what happened? You can share it."

He then sat straight and said, "Yeah, so... I was saying." He then brought his hand a little near mine and then pulled it back again.

I couldn't understand what he was doing. Then he said, gesturing towards my hand, "May I?"

And then I got it that he wanted to hold my hand, so without saying anything, I just placed my hand in his.

I could see goosebumps arising on his hands, which were visible because he had folded his shirt sleeves.

Then he said, "Inayat, this project is going to be over in 15 more days, and after that, I need to leave for the USA. So..."

Saying this, he took a deep breath and said, "Okay, let me get straight to the point. The point is, I really like you."

When he said this, I was shocked, my eyes widened, and I could not register what was happening. Maybe he realized my situation, and his hold on my hands tightened.

He again said, "Inayat, these are just my feelings, and I believe that if you like someone, you shouldn't delay in expressing it because you never know if that person might leave your fate.

That's why when I realized that I like you, I told you immediately. It's very short time to name it love, but I am very sure I really like you. I have never felt this way about anyone before, and I have never been in any relationship either.

But after meeting you, I feel as if you are the one. You are everything I had ever dreamed of—independent, hardworking, values money, understanding, and of course, very very beautiful. So I just want to ask you, will you be my girlfriend?"

I just sat there staring at Vedant, unsure of how to respond. He is really nice—like, really, really nice—but I don't have any feelings for him. In fact, I don't like him that way.

Even though I don't like to admit it, I know deep down that I still have feelings for Shivansh. But I'm certain I'll never go back to him, so why not be with Vedant? Maybe this could help me move on from Shivansh.

I know this is very, very wrong, but it could also be that after being with Vedant, I might start to like him and slowly forget Shivansh.

Many people might hate me for this, but my mental peace matters too, and I don't want to lose someone who is so perfect. Maybe all that happened between Shivansh and me was meant to lead me to Vedant. Maybe.

I was lost in these thoughts when I felt Vedant's hand slipping away from mine. I snapped out of my reverie and saw him standing up, turning his back to me.

He said, "It's okay, you don't need to answer. Just forget everything I said. Don't feel awkward."

As he was about to leave, I called out, "Vedant, wait..."

He stopped but didn't turn back and said "It's okay, Inayat. You don't need to feel bad for me. It's not necessary that the one we like should also like us back."

Hearing this, my thoughts suddenly went to Shivansh. Vedant was right. I liked Shivansh so much, but he didn't feel the same.

I know how it feels, and I don't want Vedant to go through that. I said, "I'm saying that, till now, I don't have any feelings for you. But maybe in the future, I could. Maybe I could be your girlfriend. I need time, but that might happen."

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VEDANT'S POV:

When Inayat mentioned the possibility of a chance in the future, I quickly turned back to her, searching her eyes for any sign of jest or insincerity.

Though I didn't necessarily want to be with her right now, I needed that assurance, and hearing her confirm it filled me with an indescribable joy.

I walked towards her with a broad smile and asked, "Really?" eagerly.

She nodded, her response solidifying my happiness. "Yes," she confirmed.

And with this today is the best day for me. Till now I have got everything I had wished for but, this one time I was unsure and uncertain.

But now, I feel like I'm truly favored by God. I closed my eyes and silently thanked the heavens.

I asked her again, very seriously, "You're not saying this just to make me feel good, right? You don't have to force yourself."

In response, she chuckled and assured me, "Don't overthink so much, Vedant. I know what I'm doing, but I just need some time."

In my excitement, I was about to hold her hand again, but I paused, looking at her for permission, which she granted with a nod.

I took her hand and expressed, "I'm ready to wait for you forever. Take as much time as you need. But there are two things you need to promise me."

She looked confused and asked, "What?"

I replied, "First, if you ever develop feelings for someone else in the future, you need to tell me. Don't worry about my reaction. And if you ever doubt your feelings, you need to tell me."

She agreed to this, and then I added, "Second, you need to share your problems with me. I don't want you to suffer alone now that I'm with you." After some thought, she agreed to this as well.

Today, I am immensely happy. I feel complete—having a loving family, a successful career, faithful friends, and now, a very special girl. I wanted to hug her tightly to convey all my feelings, but I wasn't sure if she'd be comfortable.

Still, I decided to take a chance and asked, "Inayat, can I have a hug, please?" After a moment of consideration, she agreed, and we hugged.

It was the best feeling ever. I wanted to hold her tighter, but she held me lightly, so I also held her lightly.

Now, I can only hope for the day when I can hug her tightly without needing permission—when we'll be legally together.

I'm so desperate for that moment that I've already started dreaming about our marriage. Silly, I know. But for now, I'll cherish this moment with Inayat, leaving all other thoughts aside.

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SHIVANSH'S POV:

We were in the office, and everyone was deeply engrossed in their work. Inayat was completely focused on the files in front of her, but I couldn't help but notice Vedant stealing glances at her from time to time.

Part of me wanted to pluck out his eyes and play marbles with them, but I knew I couldn't do that.

I tried to concentrate on my work, but my mind kept drifting back to what happened two days ago.

Two days ago, while we were all working, an idea struck me, but I couldn't share it then because Vedant was present.

So, I had to wait until we got home. Once we reached home, I finally had the chance to talk to them.

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Flashback:

We parked our cars and got inside. Rhea and Inayat were heading to their rooms when I stopped them. "Inayat, I need to talk to you," I said.

She sighed and replied, "Shivansh, not now, please. I'm exhausted and need to sleep."

She probably thought I was going to apologize again, so I quickly added, "It's related to Vikrant."

At this, both Rhea and Inayat turned towards me and came closer, with Advay joining them. They all looked at me with questioning eyes.

I wanted to tell them everything, but a sudden mischievous thought crossed my mind. I fake-yawned, glanced at Inayat, and said, "But I'm really tired. We'll talk tomorrow."

I started to walk away when Inayat shouted, "Stop!".

She grabbed my arm and turned me towards her with such force that I collided with her, ending up very close. Neither of us moved away, lost in each other's eyes.

I didn't know how long we stayed like that until we heard Rhea's voice, "I'm really tired. When your romance ends, call me. I'll be in my room."

Inayat suddenly realized our position, her eyes widened, and she pushed me away. Clearing her throat, she crossed her arms and said in an authoritative tone, "Speak right now."

I didn't have the courage to defy her, so I began, "Okay, okay. I was saying that I think—no, I'm 90% sure—that Vikrant and your father are working together against us.

Vikrant has too much information about you, which is only possible if someone close to you is feeding him info. The prime suspect is your father because no one else would do this."

Inayat nodded and said, "Yes, I also suspect my father is involved. But what should we do now?"

"I don't exactly know yet," I admitted. "They have a well-planned strategy, so we need to plan everything carefully too. I've contacted some investigators to find Vikrant's location.

They said he's in Germany. I'll send my man there to bring him here, and then we'll handle him. But before that, I want to meet your father."

"Why?" she asked.

"I have some things to discuss with him. I'll tell you about it later. Please don't ask any further questions for now," I requested.

I asked her to accompany me, but she refused, saying she didn't want to face him. I understood and didn't push her.

Rhea offered to come with me, and I agreed. I asked Advay and Inayat to manage the projects while Rhea and I handle this situation. They agreed.

I felt uneasy leaving Inayat alone, especially with Vedant around. I've noticed him trying to get close to her.

But I convinced myself that Inayat loves me and wouldn't go to him. After reassuring myself, Rhea and I got ready to leave for Mumbai immediately.

I decided we'd drive from Delhi to Mumbai as I had some work on the way and would return by jet.

We got into the car. Everyone, including the kids, Advay, and Inayat, came to see us off. I sat in the driver's seat, and Rhea took the passenger seat.

Advay didn't say anything, but I could see the worry in his eyes. I told him not to worry, and he nodded.

Inayat leaned through the window on Rhea's side and said, "Take care and don't do anything risky." Rhea nodded.

Inayat then looked at me and said, "You take care too." Her words brought a smile to my face.

I nodded, smiled, and told her to take care as well. She nodded and stepped back.

Once we were a bit further on the road, I called Aryan and asked him to take care of Adwit, Advik, and Aahana, as Advay and Inayat would be busy with the project deadline and coming home late.

Aryan happily obliged. I'm very lucky to have such a supportive best friend.

We were on our way when Rhea asked, "When did you find out Vikrant is in Germany?"

Still looking ahead, I replied, "Vikrant isn't in Germany."

Confused, she asked, "But you said—"

I cut her off, "There are cameras in our house."

She shouted in shock, "What?"

"Yes," I confirmed.

"I didn't know earlier, but today, while talking, I noticed something shining in the corner. It didn't take long to realize it was a camera with a microphone.

As soon as I realized it, I quickly changed my statement and gave false information so Vikrant would think we don't know his whereabouts. I'm sure he's the one behind this."

I explained everything to Rhea, and she was understandably shocked.

Then she asked, "Then where is he actually? Do you know that?"

I nodded and said, "He is in Italy, with his sister."

I explained that Vikrant has a younger sister who is paralyzed from the waist down.

Rhea then asked what my plan was. I told her that we were going to meet someone who could help us the most in this situation.

We reached that person, explained our plan, and she agreed to help us immediately. Then, we headed towards the police station where Inayat's father was being held.

On the way, I asked, "Rhea, do you know anyone in the station who can help us get that man out of jail?"

She looked at me confused and asked, "Why?"

I replied, "I suspect that someone inside the jail is helping them stay in contact. Vikrant has been in Italy since before the attack on your flat, which means he has men here and has been in contact with Inayat's dad from there.

We need to keep him captive so he can't contact Vikrant further. After that, he needs to return to India to search for him."

Rhea then asked, "If we take him out of jail, won't the person helping him inform Vikrant?"

"That's why I'm asking if you know any higher authority who can say he's being transferred to another jail. We bring him out under that pretense, and then we take care of him."

She nodded understandingly and said, "Okay, I know someone who can help. I'll arrange everything. By the time we reach the station, he should be out."

I nodded, and she made a call, explaining the situation. The person on the other end agreed to help. The plan was for Vikrant to believe Inayat's father was being transferred to another jail.

When Vikrant will find this out, he would likely come here to establish new connections, and that's when we'd confront him.

Finally, we reached the back exit of the jail, where two constables were standing, holding Inayat's father.

His eyes, hands, and legs were all tied up, and he was unconscious. If he had been awake, he would have made a scene.

The constables roughly threw him into the backseat of our car and then closed the door. Rhea gave them some cash, and they left.

Rhea suggested that we go to their Mumbai branch office for the night since it was very late and I was exhausted from driving for almost a day.

We agreed and headed there. Her men took care of Inayat's father while we went to the penthouse on the top floor of her office to rest. We had an early flight on our jet the next morning.

In the morning, I woke up and immediately went to the place where Inayat's father was being held, with Rhea accompanying me.

The room was dark, with a single light illuminating him as he sat tied to a chair. He was conscious now, shouting, but his voice was muffled by the cloth gag.

When he saw us, he stopped shouting and started smiling, which confused me.

Rhea brought a chair and sat a little distance away while I approached him. I pulled the cloth from his mouth, and as soon as I did, he started laughing loudly.

His laughter infuriated me, and I couldn't control my anger. I slapped him hard, causing the chair to topple over, and he let out a painful cry.

I squatted down to his level, grabbed his collar, and brought his face close to mine. "What's your plan? I want the truth," I demanded.

Instead of answering, he smirked and said, "So that little bitch has sent her lover here."

Another slap landed on his face, but this time it was from Rhea. His lips started bleeding from the impact.

She sat beside me and said, "Mind your words before saying anything about Inayat, or I won't hesitate to cut your tongue."

He started wiggling, trying to escape from the ropes, but I stood up and pressed my foot against his chest to restrict his movements.

I shouted, "Speak up your plan," but he remained defiant.

"Soon, you both will be separated, and then he knows very well what to do. He will kill you both and take mine as well as his revenge. And you cannot do anything," he said.

My blood boiled, and I increased the pressure on his chest, making it difficult for him to breathe. After a few moments, he passed out.

I looked at the men present and instructed, "Lock him in the secret room on the jet. Once we reach Delhi, my men will handle the rest."

Rhea and I then walked out, and I informed my men to transfer him to Aryan's basement once we arrived in Delhi.

I'm not typically involved in physical confrontations or these kinds of activities. Aryan handles most of that to avoid unnecessary risks to my family.

This is the first time I've gotten directly involved, but for Inayat, it's worth it.

We reached the airport and boarded my jet. After takeoff, Rhea asked, "How should we inform Advay and Inayat about the cameras? Should I message them on the phone?"

"No, don't text anything," I replied.

"We don't know if Vikrant has their phones tracked. Tomorrow, when we go to the office, tell Inayat in the car, and I'll inform Advay."

She nodded in agreement, and we finally reached Delhi.

Flashback Ends:

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I was brought back to the present when I heard the door opening and saw Inayat entering. She looked a bit nervous. Vedant followed her, smiling wholeheartedly and looking dreamily at her.

I wondered what has been discussed between them that made him so happy. But I didn't have time to waste thinking about this idiot.

I trusted Inayat and knew she wouldn't do anything wrong. Assuring myself of this, I got back to my work, which mostly involved looking at Inayat and occasionally doing some actual work.

God, I am whipped.

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VIKRANT'S POV:

I had brought Vidhi to the hospital for her physiotherapy. She has to come here every day, and she absolutely hates it. But often, the things we dislike are the ones that are best for us.

Seeing her in so much pain during the sessions makes me want to die. It's all because of Shivansh. If he hadn't been a drunkard, our parents, Vidhi, and I would all be together, and Vidhi would be completely fine.

He ruined us, and now he's living happily. But that won't last long; I'll make sure he's destroyed completely.

I was sitting in the waiting room and Vidhi was having her session.

I don't stay inside because sometimes she cries out in pain when the doctor moves her limbs, and I get angry and want to take her home, which hinders her recovery.

So, I decided to wait outside. After about 45 minutes, the doctor came out with Vidhi in a wheelchair.

She looked exhausted. The doctor called me to her office to discuss something. I left Vidhi with the nurse and followed the doctor.

Inside the office, another doctor was present. The doctor took her seat and asked me to sit down.

She said, "Vikrant, you've been coming here regularly for the last six months. It must be very difficult to come to the hospital daily, so I thought you should keep a doctor at your place who will only focus on Vidhi and her recovery. This could help her recover faster."

I replied, "Doctor, I'll do whatever it takes for Vidhi to recover. I can keep a doctor at our place without any issue. Just assure me that Vidhi will recover."

She assured me and introduced Dr. Trisha Singh, a well-known physiotherapist who wasn't from their hospital but was visiting a friend who was admitted here.

Dr. Singh had seen Vidhi and offered to help, stating that she had worked on similar cases before. Vidhi was already 70% recovered, and Dr. Mehra could handle the rest.

I looked at Dr. Singh and she smiled at me. Turning back to the doctor, I asked, "But she seems very young. What about her experience?"

The doctor replied, "She is young but very skilled in this field and has already made a name for herself. Before speaking to you I have already seen her work and spoken to her previous patients. Trust me, she is the best for Vidhi."

I nodded and agreed to have Dr. Singh come to our place from the next day.

Dr. Singh introduced herself, and I gave her Vidhi's treatment history and our address. She assured me that she would make Vidhi fully recover.

I then went to Vidhi, who was waiting in the hall looking irritated. I apologized for the wait and started pushing her wheelchair.

She whined, "Bhaiya, I don't want to come here."

I reassured her, "Don't worry, you won't have to come here from tomorrow."

She excitedly asked, "Yayyy, does that mean I'll be okay by tomorrow?"

I chuckled and said, "No, baby, but from tomorrow, a doctor aunty will come to our house."

She pouted, "Which doctor?"

"Trisha Singh," I replied.

Her face lit up, "Oh, she came to our room today and did something with my legs that didn't hurt at all. She's very nice. I'm happy."

I smiled, relieved to see her happy. She then looked at me and said, "But bhaiya, she's not an aunty, she's didi. And if she's aunty, then you're also uncle."

I narrowed my eyes at her, pretending to be angry, and said, "Whatever."

She laughed, and I couldn't help but smile too. We finally settled into our car and headed home.

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Do you want me to add smut in this story🫠? And from smut also I mean very basic things🫣🫣. So you all should not expect much 😅.

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